This is a record of my journey as a Muslim. I used to be Catholic and belonged to a missionary organisation. After my conversion, I sat on the board of a Muslim converts' organisation and specialised in da'wah programmes, convert management, interfaith issues and apostasy cases. I am an initiate of a Sufi order. As such, the articles and writings tend to cover these areas.
All the Arabic and graphics could not have been done without the help of my wife, Zafirah.

Monday, 26 December 2016

Mawlana ar-Rumi (q.s.) on Jesus (a.s.) & John the Baptist (a.s.)

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Mawlana Jalal ad-Din ar-Rumi (q.s.) wrote, “Jesus laughed a lot. John the Baptist wept a lot. John said to Jesus, ‘You have become mighty
secure from God’s Subtle Traps to laugh so much.’

‘You,’ replied Jesus, ‘have become mighty
heedless of God’s Subtle and Mysterious Grace and Loving-Kindness to weep so
much!’

One of God’s saints, who was present at this
moment, asked God which of the two was of the more exalted station. God Answered, ‘The one who thinks better of
Me,’ that is, ‘Within My servants’ conception of Me, I am there. Each of My servants has an image or idea of
Me. Whatever each of them imagines Me to
be, that I am. I am the servant to
images within which God Lives; I care nothing for any reality where God does
not dwell. O My servants, cleanse your
thoughts, for they are My dwelling places.’

Now make a trial for yourself and see what is
more beneficial to you - weeping, laughter, fasting, prayer, or retreat. Choose whichever of these states serves you
best and causes you to advance further.”